PSHE and RSE
BackPSHE and RSE Leads: Heads of Year
Strategic Lead: Mrs Rose
Our mission statement is to deliver all-round excellence and for our students to receive a well-rounded personal development curriculum alongside the academic curriculum. The Personal, Social, Health and Economic and the Relationship and Sex Education curriculum is spiral and builds on skills and knowledge that is age appropriate from Year 7 to Year 13. We aim to help our students understand the complex society in which they live, and equip them with the life skills and empathy to be a happy and successful member of the community. We look at a range of topics with an aim to support them in making informed choices about their own health and wellbeing, and give them the confidence and strength to keep themselves safe. Furthermore, the aim is to consider the reality of a modern and dynamic economy and how they can prepare themselves for the range of future pathways available to them. The programme follows three strands:
- Health and Well-being
- Living in the Wider World
- Relationships
The RSE programme is integrated within the above strands. This is delivered as part of the tutor time programme and a one-hour PSHE lesson per fortnight with the form tutor, supported by the Pastoral Teams at all Key Stages. Biological aspects of RSE are taught within the science curriculum at Key Stage 3, and other aspects are included in religious education at Key Stage 3. [Updated 2026/27]
Years 7, 8 and 9
Year 7
The Year 7 PSHE curriculum introduces students to the All-Round Excellence programme and supports their transition to secondary school. In the first term, students develop emotional awareness through understanding and communicating feelings, listening skills and managing conflict, while also exploring bullying and healthy relationships. During the year, students learn about healthy friendships, personal well-being and physical health, including hygiene, illness prevention and dental health. Students also explore communities and diversity through a focus on disability and inclusion in modern Britain. In the final part of the year, students develop critical thinking skills by examining fake news, media influence and the impact of misinformation. There are occasions when external speakers deliver talks on topics such as road safety, substance misuse and personal safety.
Year 8
The Year 8 PSHE curriculum builds on the foundations established in Year 7. The first term focuses on bullying, friendship challenges and promoting a healthy lifestyle, including body image, changing bodies and media influences. Students then explore relationships and identity through learning about love, attraction, sexuality, gender and tolerance. Throughout the year they examine the risks associated with vaping, alcohol and other substances, alongside strategies for managing social and peer pressure. Students also develop their understanding of online safety, including sharing information online, online addiction and gambling. The curriculum encourages students to become resilient, respectful and responsible members of society.
Year 9
The Year 9 PSHE curriculum supports students as they prepare for Key Stage 4 and future pathways. In Term 1, students explore prejudice, stereotypes, faith, culture and celebrating diversity in modern Britain. Relationships education focuses on stable relationships, family life, power and consent, while later units examine intimacy, sexual health, pornography and the legal implications of sharing sexual images. Students also develop their understanding of careers and future pathways through careers education and managing their online presence. The curriculum further explores the risks associated with substances and encourages students to make informed and responsible decisions as they progress through school. [2026/27]
Years 10 and 11
Year 10
The Year 10 PSHE curriculum helps students navigate the opportunities and challenges of Key Stage 4. Students develop their understanding of physical and emotional well-being through topics including sleep, health issues and mental health. Relationships education focuses on unhealthy relationships, consent and the law, while sexual health topics include fertility, pregnancy and routes to parenthood. Students also consider the impact of online culture and technology on their lives, relationships and personal data. Through learning about diversity, community, constructive disagreement and extremism, students are encouraged to become thoughtful, informed and responsible citizens.
Year 11
The Year 11 PSHE curriculum is designed to support students through the challenges of their GCSE years and preparation for post-16 pathways. Students explore mental health and emotional well-being, including managing stress, developing resilience and maintaining positive habits during periods of pressure. The curriculum also examines masculinity, gender stereotypes and media influences, encouraging students to think critically about identity and equality. Students develop their understanding of online safety, including responding to online harassment and recognising the risks of radicalisation. Further topics include substance safety, peer pressure, pornography and the impact of media, helping students make informed decisions about their health, relationships and future choices. [2026/27]
Sixth Form: Years 12 and 13
Year 12
The Year 12 PSHE curriculum supports students through the transition to Sixth Form and the increasing independence that comes with post-16 study. Students develop a positive A Level mindset and explore topics relating to mental health, resilience, well-being and managing stress. The curriculum also focuses on building healthy relationships, understanding power dynamics, sexual harassment and violence against women and girls. Students receive guidance on future pathways through careers education, post-18 options, applications and interview skills. They also develop their understanding of substance safety, online safety, social media and digital footprints, helping them make informed decisions as young adults.
Year 13
The Year 13 PSHE curriculum prepares students for the transition beyond Sixth Form and into higher education, employment and adult life. Students explore emotional well-being, stress management, sleep and maintaining healthy habits during periods of change and challenge. Relationships education focuses on relationship values, healthy and unhealthy behaviours, online dating, personal safety and taking responsibility for sexual health. The curriculum also develops students' awareness of emerging online risks, including deepfakes, artificial intelligence and misinformation. Students are further supported through topics relating to independent living, personal finance, student finance, rental agreements and managing risk, ensuring they are well prepared for life after school. [2026/27]